Tonia Wroblewski supports teachers in creating inclusive and engaging math learning experiences so every student feels capable, valued, and empowered to succeed.
After moving schools in fourth grade, Tonia Wroblewski’s new teacher noticed her recurring anxiety and worked to help her regain her confidence. Wroblewski remembers this compassionate teacher comforting her and really seeing her. She still has a memory of her often kneeling beside her in tough moments. This teacher made a lasting impact which led to Wroblewski’s decision as a 10 year-old that someday, she would be a teacher.
As a math equity coach at London Middle School, Wroblewski helps students who are academically struggling over math. She goes into classrooms to coach students who need this extra support, or she pulls students out of classrooms for more specialized instruction. She has a small classroom herself for her foundational classes that lends itself well to making it a safe space. “Sometimes,” she states, “students struggle because they are in a classroom with a larger number of students and can easily get lost or overlooked. In a small group, they are seen. They can suddenly become the top student in the class and have a spotlight shone on them. In middle school, sometimes students don’t like math, but I had a student recently say to me, ‘This is my favorite class! I can’t wait to come to this class tomorrow!'”
And she’s bilingual. When a Spanish-speaking parent comes in for help or advice, Wroblewski can generally understand what they are saying, as she is the daughter of Italian immigrants and speaks fluent Italian. The languages have many common root words making easy connections between the languages.
Wroblewski was the first in her family to attend college, went to Illinois State University and earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education with an endorsement in middle school education. During that time, she was part of District 21’s internship program (PDS), which gives college students from Illinois State the opportunity to teach at our schools. She also earned her master’s degree from Northern Illinois University in educational leadership. When it came time to look for a job, it was an easy decision. “District 21 felt like home,” she states.
Outside of work, she had a daily habit of walking and recently went to the Rockies with her family. “It was a spectacular, outdoor experience that was truly humbling for me.” She also loves country music and gardening.
Through patience, creativity, and a genuine love for teaching, she turns math from a source of frustration into a subject of pride and confidence. By helping students who once doubted themselves discover the joy in numbers, she leaves a lasting impact —- proving that the right teacher can make even the most challenging lessons something to love.
CCSD21
Maximize the achievement and honor the uniqueness of every student, every day.
